A Prime Time Double Header: 2 Pro Leagues in 1 Day?
On the afternoon of Oct. 11, 1992, Sanders suited up for the Atlanta Falcons in an NFL matchup against the Miami Dolphins. After the game, he rushed to the airport, hopping on a private jet to Pittsburgh, where his Atlanta Braves were playing in the NLCS against the Pittsburgh Pirates.
The hope? That Sanders would become the first athlete ever to play in two professional sports games on the same day. Unfortunately, despite arriving at the stadium in time, he didn’t take the field for the Braves that night. Still, the very attempt was a testament to his unique blend of talent and confidence — something only Prime Time could pull off.
Sanders remains the only athlete to have played in both a Super Bowl and a World Series, an achievement that speaks volumes about his legacy.
Other Legendary Multi-Sport Athletes
While Deion’s two-game stunt remains unique, he wasn’t the only athlete to thrive in multiple professional sports. Here are some other legends who pulled double duty:
Bo Jackson (NFL & MLB)
Perhaps the most famous two-sport athlete, Bo Jackson was an All-Star in both Major League Baseball and the NFL. His power at the plate and breakaway speed on the football field made him one of the most gifted athletes of all time. His career was tragically cut short by a hip injury, but his legacy lives on.
Dave DeBusschere (NBA & MLB)
Before becoming a Hall of Fame power forward for the New York Knicks, DeBusschere was a pitcher for the Chicago White Sox. His time on the mound was brief, but he remains one of the rare athletes to have competed at the highest level in both baseball and basketball.
Danny Ainge (NBA & MLB)
Before winning multiple NBA championships with the Boston Celtics, Danny Ainge played for the Toronto Blue Jays as an infielder. He’s the only player to be named a first-team All-American in college basketball and play in MLB before switching to a successful NBA career.
Dave Winfield: Drafted Everywhere
While he never played another pro sport, Dave Winfield may be the most sought-after athlete in history. After a stellar career at the University of Minnesota, Winfield was drafted by four different leagues:
- MLB (San Diego Padres)
- NFL (Minnesota Vikings, despite not playing college football!)
- NBA (Atlanta Hawks)
- ABA (Utah Stars)
Ultimately, he chose baseball and became a Hall of Famer, but his raw athleticism made him a legend across multiple sports.
The Legacy of Two-Sport Stars
In today’s era of year-round training and sports specialization, it’s rare to see athletes attempt careers in multiple pro leagues. Sanders and Jackson remain the gold standard, proving that with the right mix of skill, confidence, and charisma, it’s possible to dominate in more than one arena.
Deion’s “Prime Time Double Header” may not have gone exactly as planned, but it remains one of the most ambitious moments in sports history. And if anyone could pull off such a feat? It had to be Deion.